The Negro in the American rebellion, his heroism and his fidelity

Front matter

S. G. and E. L. ELBERT

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CnlliMif.

Preface

Feeling anxious to preserve for future reference an account of the part which the Negro took in suppressing the Slaveholders' Rebellion, I have been induced to write this work. In doing so, it occurred to me that a sketch of the condition of the race previous to the commencement of the war would not be uninteresting to the reader.

For the information concerning the services which the blacks rendered to the Government in the Revolutionary War, I am indebted to the late George Livermore, Esq., whose " Historical Research " is the ablest work ever published on the early history of the negroes of this country.

In collecting facts connected with the Rebellion, I have availed myself of the most reliable information that could be obtained from newspaper correspondents, as well as from those who were on the battle-field. To officers and privates of several of the colored regiments I am under many obligations for detailed accounts of engagements.

yi PREFACE.

No doubt, errors in fact and in judgment will be discovered, which I shall be ready to acknowledge, and correct in subsequent editions. The work might have been swelled to double its present size ; but I did not feel bound to introduce an account of every little skirmish in which colored men were engaged.

I waited patiently, before beginning this work, with the hope that some one more competent would take the subject in hand ; but, up to the present, it has not been done, although many books have been written upon the Rebellion.

WILLIAM WELLS BROWN.

Cambridgeport, Mass., Jan. 1, 1867.

Chapter I. Blacks In The Revolutionary War And In 1812

The First Cargo of Slaves landed in the Colonies in 1620. — Slave Kepresentation in Congress. — Opposition to the Slave-trade. — , Crispus Attucks, the First Victim of the Revolutionary War. — Bancroft's Testimony. — Capture of Gen. Prescott. — Colored Men in the War of 1812. — Gen. Andrew Jackson on Negro Soldiers • 1

Chapter II. The South-carolina Fright

Denmark Vesey, Peter Poyas, and their Companions. — The Deep-laid Plans. — Religious Fanaticism. — The Discovery. — The Trials. — Convictions. — Executions 13

Chapter III. The Nat Turner Insurrection

Nat Turner. — His Associates. — Their Meetings. — Nat's Religious Enthusiasm. — Bloodshed. — Wide-spread Terror. — The Trials and Executions 19

Chapter IV. Slave Revolt At Sea

Madison Washington. — His Escape from the South.— -His Love of Liberty. — His Return. — His Capture. — The Brig " Creole." — The Slave-traders. — Capture of the Vessel. — Freedom of the Oppressed 26

vii

Vlll CONTENTS.

Chapter V. Growth Of The Slave-power

Introduction of the Cotton-gin. — Its Effect on Slavery. — Fugitive Slave Law. — Anthony Burns. — The Dred Scott Decision. — Imprisonment for reading " Uncle Tom's Cabin." — Struggles with Slavery 37

Chapter VI. The John Brown Raid

John Brown. — His Religious Zeal. — His Hatred to Slavery. — Organization of his Army. — Attack on Harper's Ferry. — His Execution.— John Brown's Companions, Green and Copeland. — The Executions 44

Chapter VII. The First Gun Of The Rebellion

Nomination of Fremont. — Nomination of Lincoln. — The Mob Spirit.

— Spirit of Slavery. — The Democracy. — Cotton. — Northern Promises to the Rebels. — Assault on Fort Sumter. — Call for 75,000 Men. — Response of the Colored Men . . . .50

Chapter VIII. The Union And Slavery Both To Be Preserved

Union Generals offer to suppress Slave-insurrections. — Return of Slaves coming into our Army . . " . . . . . .56

Chapter IX. Intelligent Contrabands

James Lawson. — His Bravery. — Rescue of his Wife and Children. — He is sent out on Important Business. — He fights his Way back.

— He is admired by Gens. Hooker and Sickles. — Rhett's Servant.

— "Foraging for Butter and Eggs" . . . . . .60

CONTENTS. * IX

Chapter X. Proclamations Of Fremont And Hunter

Gen. Fremont's Proclamation, and its Effect on the Public Mind. — Gen. Hunter's Proclamation ; the Feeling it created . • .69

CHAPTER XL

HEROISM OF NEGROES ON THE HIGH SEAS.

Heroism of Negroes. —William Tillman recaptures " The S. G. Waring." — George Green. — Robert Small captures the Steamer " Planter." — Admiral Dupont's Opinion on Negro Patriotism . 74

Chapter XII. General Butler At New Orleans

Recognition of Negro Soldiers with Officers of their own Color. — Society in New Orleans. — The Inhuman Master. — Justice. — Change of Opinion. — The Free Colored Population . . .82

Chapter XIII. The District Of Columbia Free

Emancipation in the District. — Comments of the Press. — The Good Result. — Recognition of Hayti and Liberia. — The Slave-trader Gordon . 93

Chapter XIV. The Black Brigade Of Cincinnati

The Great Fright. — Cruel Treatment of the Colored People by the Police. — Bill Homer and his Roughs. — Military Training. — Col. Dickson. — The Work. — Mustering Out. — The Thanks . . 100

X CONTENTS.

Chapter XV. Proclamation Of Freedom

Emancipation Proclamation. — Copperhead View of it. — " Abraham, spare the South." — The Contrabands Rejoicing. — The Songs. — Enthusiasm. — Faith in God. — Negro Wit. — " Forever Free " . 109

Chapter XVI. The New Policy

A New Policy announced. — Adjutant-Gen. Thomas. — Major-Gen. Prentiss. — Negro Wit and Humor. — Proslaveiy Correspondents. — Feeling in the Army. — Let the Blacks fight .... 124

CHAPTER XVIL

ARMING THE BLACKS.

Department of the South. — Gen. Hunter enlisting Colored Men. — Letter to Gov. Andrew. — Success. — The Earnest Prayer. — The Negro's Confidence in God. . 130

FREEDMEN UNDER FIRE IN MISSISSIPPI.

Bravery of the Freedmen. — Desperation of the Rebels. — Severe Battle.— Negroes Triumphant 163

Chapter XXIII. Battle Of Port Hudson

The Louisiana Native Guard. — Capt. Callioux. — The Weather. — Spirit of the Troops. — The Battle begins. — " Charge." — Great Bravery. — The Gallant Color-bearer. — Grape, Canister, and Shell sweep down the Heroic Men. — Death of Callioux. — Comments . 167

Chapter XXIV. General Banks In Louisiana

Gen. Banks at New Orleans. — Old Slave-laws revived. — Treatment of Free Colored Persons. — Col. Jonas H. French. — 111 Treatment at Port Hudson 177

Xll CONTENTS.

Chapter XXV. Honors To The Noble Dead

Capt. Andre Callioux. — His Body lies in State. — Personal Appearance. — His Enthusiasm. — His Popularity. — His Funeral. — The great Respect paid the Deceased. — General Lamentation . .186

Chapter XXVI. The Northern Wing Of The Rebellion

The New- York Mob. — Murder, Fire, and Robbery. — The City given up to the Rioters. — Whites and Blacks robbed in Open Day in the Great Thoroughfares. — Negroes murdered, burned, and their Bodies hung on Lamp-posts. — Southern Rebels at the Head of the Riot . . . 192

Chapter XXVII. Assault On Fort Wagner

The Fifty-fourth Massachusetts Regiment. — Col. Shaw. — March to the Island. — Preparation. — Speeches. — The Attack. — Storm of Shot, Shell, and Canister. — Heroism of Officers and Men. — Death of Col. Shaw. — The Color-sergeant. — The Retreat. — " Buried with his Niggers." — Comments 198

Chapter XXVIII. The Slave-martyr

The Siege of Washington, N.C. — Big Bob, the Negro Scout. — The Perilous Adventure. — The Fight. — Return. — Night-expedition.

— The Fatal Sandbar. — The Enemy's Shells. — " Somebody's got to die to get us out of this, and it may as well be me." — Death of Bob. — Safety of the Boat . . . ... .212

Chapter XXIX. Battle Of Olustee, Florida

The Union Troops decoyed into a Swamp. — They are outnumbered.

— Their Great Bravery. — The Heroism of the Fifty-fourth Massachusetts.— Death of Col. Fribley 217

CONTENTS. Xlll

Chapter XXX. Battle Of Poison Springs, Arkansas

Hard-fought Battle. — Bravery of the Kansas Colored Troops. — The} die, but will not yield. — Outnumbered by the Rebels. — Another Severe Battle. — The Heroic Negro, after being wounded, fights till he dies 225

Chapter XXXI. The Massacre At Fort Pillow

Assault and Capture of the Fort. — " No Quarter." — Rebel Atrocities. — Gens. Forrest and Chalmers. — Firing upon Flags of Truce. — Murder of Men, Women, and Children. — Night after the Assault.— Buried Alive. — Morning after the Massacre . • .23b

Chapter XXXII. Injustice To Colored Troops

The Pay of the Men. — Government refuses to keep its Promise. — Efforts of Gov. Andrew to have Justice done. — Complaint of the Men. — Mutiny. — Military Murder. — Everlasting Shame . . .248

Chapter XXXIII. Battle Of Honey Hill, South Carolina

Union Troops. — The March. — The Enemy. — The Swamp. — Earth-works. — The Battle. — Desperate Fighting. — Great Bravery. — Col. Hartwell. — Fifty-fifth Massachusetts. — The Dying and the Dead. — The Ketreat. — The Enemy's Position. — Earthworks. — His Advantages. — The Union Forces. — The Blacks. — Our Army outnumbered by the Rebels. — Their Concealed Batteries. — Skirmishing. — The Rebels retreat to their Base. — The s Battle. — Great Bravery of our Men. — The Fifty-fifth Massachusetts saves the Army 255

XIV CONTENTS.

Chapter XXXIV. Before Petersburg And Richmond

Assault and Failure. — Who to blame. — Heroic Conduct of the Blacks. — The Mine. — Success at the Second Attack. — Death of a Gallant Negro. — A Black Officer . . . . . 265

Chapter XXXV. Wit And Humor Of The War

Negro Wit and Humor. — The Faithful Sentinel. — The Sentinel's Eespect for the United-States Uniform. — The " Nail-kag." — The Poetical Drummer-boy. — Contrabands on Sherman's March. — Negro Poetry on Freedom. — The Soldier's Speech. — Contraband capturing his Old Master. 273

Chapter XXXVI. A Thrilling Incident Of The War

Heroic Escape of a Slave. — His Story of his Sister. — Resides North. — Joins the Army, and returns to the South during the Rebellion. — Search for his Mother. — Finds her. — Thrilling Scene. — Truth stranger than Fiction 283

Chapter XXXVII. Progress And Justice

Great Change in the Treatment of Colored Troops. — Negro Appointments*— Justice to the Black Soldiers. — Steamer " Planter." — Progress. — The Paymaster at last. — John S. Rock . . . 291

Chapter Xxxviii. Fourth-of-july Celebration At The Home Of Jeff

DAVIS.

Fourth-of-July Celebration at the Home of Jeff. Davis in Mississippi. — The Trip. — Joe Davis's Place. — JefF.'s Place. — The Dinner.— Speeches and Songs. — Lively Times. — Return to Vicksburg . 298

CONTENTS. XV

Chapter XXXIX. Gallantry, Loyalty, And Kindness Of The Negro

The Nameless Hero at Fair Oaks. — The Chivalry whipped by their Former Slaves, — Endurance of the Blacks. — Man in Chains. — One Negro whips Three Rebels. — Gallantry. — Outrages on the Blacks. — Kindness of the Negroes. — Welcome .... 309

Chapter XL. Fall Of The Confederacy, And Death Of President

LINCOLN.

Flight of Jeff. Davis from Richmond. — Visit of President Lincoln to the Rebel Capital. — Welcome by the Blacks. — Surrender of Gen. Lee. — Death of Abraham Lincoln. — The Nation in Tears . . 323

CHAPTER XLL

PRESIDENT ANDREW JOHNSON.

Origin of Andrew Johnson. — His Speeches in Tennessee. — The Negro's Moses. — The Deceived Brahmin. — The Comparison. — Interview with Southerners. — Northern Delegation. — Delegation of Colored Men. — Their Appeal .' . 328

Chapter XLII. Ill Treatment Of Colored People South

The Old Slaveholders. — The Freedmen. — Murders. — School-teachers. — Riot at Memphis. — Mob at New Orleans. — Murder of Union Men. — Riot at a Camp-meeting 345

Chapter XLIII. Protection For The Colored People

Protection for the Colored People South. — The Civil Rights Bill. — Liberty without the Ballot no Boon. — Impartial Suffrage. — Test Oaths not to be depended upon 355

XVI CONTENTS.

Chapter XLIV. Caste

Slavery the Foundation of Caste. — Black its Preference. — The General Wish for Black Hair and Eyes. — No Hatred to Color. — The White Slave. — A Mistake. — Stole his Thunder. — The Burman. — Pew for Sale . .361

Chapter XLV. Sixth Regiment United-states Volunteers

Organization of the Regiment. — Assigned to Hard Work. — Brought under Fire. — Its Bravery. — Battle before Richmond. — Gallantry of the Sixth. — Officers' Testimony 375

THE NEGRO

IN THE

AMERICAN REBELLION.

Chapter I Blacks In The Revolutionary War And In 1812

The First Cargo of Slaves landed in the Colonies in 1620. — Slave Representation in Congress. — Opposition to the Slave-Trade. — Crispus Attacks, the First Victim of the Revolutionary War. — Bancroft's Testimony. — Capture of Gen. Prescott. — Colored Men in the War of 1812. — Gen. Andrew Jackson on Negro Soldiers.

I now undertake to write a history of the part which the colored men took in the great American Rebellion. Previous to entering upon that subject, however, I may be pardoned for bringing before the reader the condition of the blacks previous to the breaking out of the war.

The Declaration of American Independence, made July 4, 1776, had scarcely been enunciated, and an organization of the government commenced, ere the people found themselves surrounded by new and trying difficulties, which, for a time, threatened to wreck the ship of state.

The forty-five slaves landed on the banks of the James

River, in the colony of Virginia, from the coast of Africa, in 1620, had multiplied to several thousands, and were influencing the political, social, and religious institutions of the country. Brought into the colonies against their will ; made the " hewers of wood and the drawers of water ; ?; considered, in the light of law and public opinion, as mere chattels, — things to be bought and sold at the will of the owner; driven to their unrequited toil by unfeeling men, picked for the purpose from the lowest and most degraded of the uneducated whites, whose moral, social, and political degradation, by slavery, was equal to that of the slave, — the condition of the negro was indeed a sad one.

The history of this people, full of sorrow, blood, and tears, is full also of instruction for mankind. God has so ordered it that one class shall not degrade another, without becoming themselves contaminated. So with slavery in America. The institution bred in the master insulting arrogance, deteriorating sloth, pampered the loathsome lust it inflamed, until licentious luxury sapped the strength and rottened the virtue of the slave-owners of the South. Never were the institutions of a people, jr the principles of liberty, put to such a severe test as Uiose of the American Republic. The convention to >lrame the Constitution for the government of the United States had not organized before the slave-masters began to press the claims of their system upon the delegates. They wanted their property represented in the national Congress, and undue guarantees thrown around it; they wanted the African slave-trade made lawful, and their victims returned if they should attempt to escape; they begged that an article might be inserted in the Constitution, making it the duty of the General Government to

BLACKS IN THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 3

put down the slaves if they should imitate their masters in striking a blow for freedom. They seemed afraid of the very evil they were clinging so closely to. " Thus conscience doth make cowards of us all.77

In all this early difficulty, South Carolina took the lead against humanity, her delegates ever showing themselves the foes of freedom. Both in the Federal Convention to frame the Constitution, and in the State Conventions to ratify the same, it was admitted that the blacks had fought bravely against the British, and in favor of the American Republic ; for the fact that a black man (Crispus Attucks) was the first to give his life at the commencement of the Revolution was still fresh in their minds. Eighteen years previous to the breaking out of the war, Attucks was held as a slave by Mr. William Brown of Framingham, Mass., and from whom he escaped about that time, taking up his residence in Boston. The Boston Massacre, March 5, 1770, may be regarded as the first act in the great drama of the American Revolution. " From that moment,77 said Daniel Webster, " we may date the severance of the British Empire.77 The presence of the British soldiers in King Street excited the patriotic indignation of the people. The whole community was stirred, and sage counsellors were deliberating and writing and talking about the public grievances. But it was not for " the wise and prudent 77 to be the first to act against the encroachments of arbitrary power. " A motley rabble of saucy boys, negroes and mulattoes, Irish Teagues, and outlandish Jack tars 77 (as John Adams described them in his plea in defence of the soldiers) could not restrain their emo tion, or stop to inquire if what they must do was according to the letter of any law. Led by Crispus Attucks, the mulatto slave, and shouting, " The way to get rid of these soldiers is to attack the main guard ; strike at the root ; this is the nest," with more valor than discretion, they rushed to King Street, and were fired upon by Capt. Preston's Company. Crispus Attucks was the first to fall : he and Samuel Gray and Jonas Caldwell were killed on the spot. Samuel Maverick and Patrick Carr were mortally wounded.

The excitement which followed was intense. The bells of the town were rung. An impromptu townmeeting was held, and an immense assembly was gathered.

Three days after, on the 8th, a public funeral of the martyrs took place. The shops in Boston were closed; and all the bells of Boston and the neighboring towns were rung. It is said that a greater number of persons assembled on this occasion than were ever before gathered on this continent for a similar purpose. The body of Crispus Attucks, the mulatto slave, had been placed in Faneuil Hall, with that of Caldwell, both being strangers in the city. Maverick was buried from his mother's house, in Union Street ; and Gray from his brother's, in Royal Exchange Lane. The four hearses formed a junction in King Street; and there the procession marched in columns six deep, with a long file of coaches belonging to the most distinguished citizens, to the Middle Burying-ground, where the four victims were deposited in one grave, over which a stone was placed with this inscription : —

" Long as in Freedom's cause the wise contend, Dear to your country shall your fame extend ; While to the world the lettered stone shall tell Where Caldwell, Attucks, Gray, and Maverick fell."

BLACKS IN THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 5

The anniversary of this event was publicly commemorated in Boston, by an oration and other exercises, every year until after our national independence was achieved, when the Fourth of July was substituted for the Fifth of March as the more proper day for a general celebration. Not only was the event commemorated, but the martyrs who then gave up their lives were remembered and honored.

For half a century after the close of the war, the name of Crispus Attucks was honorably mentioned by the most noted men of the country who were not blinded by foolish prejudice. At the battle of Bunker Hill, Peter Salem, a negro, distinguished himself by shooting Major Pitcairn, who, in the midst of the battle, having passed the storm of fire without, mounting the redoubt, and waving his sword, cried to the " rebels" to surrender. The fall of Pitcairn ended the battle in favor of liberty.

A single passage from Mr. Bancroft's history will give a succinct and clear account of the condition of the army, in respect to colored soldiers, at the time of the battle of Bunker Hill: —

" Nor should history forget to record, that, as in the army at Cambridge, so also in this gallant band, the free negroes of the colony had their representatives. For the right of free negroes to bear arms in the public defence was, at that day, as little disputed in New England as their other rights. They took their place, not in a separate corps, but in the ranks with the white man ; and their names may be read on the pension-rolls of the country, side by side with those of other soldiers of the Revolution." — Bancroft's History of the United States, vol. vii. p. 421.

The capture of Major-Gen. Prescott, of the British army, on the 9th of July, 1777, was an occasion of great joy throughout the country. Prince, the valiant negro who seized that officer, ought always to be remembered with honor for his important service. The exploit was much commended at the time, as its results, were highly important ; and Col. Barton, very properly, received from Congress the complicaent of a sword for his ingenuity and bravery. It seems, however, that it took more than one head to plan and to execute the undertaking. The following account of the capture is historical : —

" They landed about five miles from Newport, and three-quarters of a mile from the house, which they approached cautiously, avoiding the main guard, which wras at some distance. The colonel went foremost, with a stout, active negro close behind him, and another at a small distance : the rest followed so as to be near, but not seen.

" A single sentinel at the door saw and hailed the colonel : he answered by exclaiming against, and inquiring for, rebel prisoners, but kept slowly advancing. The sentinel again challenged him, and required the countersign. He said he had not the countersign, but amused the sentry by talking about rebel prisoners, and still advancing till he came within reach of the bayonet, which, he presenting, the colonel suddenly struck aside, and seized him. He was immediately secured, and ordered to be silent on pain of instant death. Meaniohile, the rest of the men surrounding the house, the negro, with his head, at the second stroke, forced a passage into it, and then into the landlord's apartment. The landlord at first refused to give the necessary in-

BLACKS IN THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 7

telligence ; but, on the prospect of present death, he pointed to the general1 s chamber, which being instantly opened by the negro's head, the colonel, calling the general by name, told him he was a prisoner" — Pennsylvania Evening Post, Aug. 7, 1777 (in Frank Moore's "Diary of the American Revolution/7 vol. i. p. 468).

There is abundant evidence of the fidelity and bravery of the colored patriots of Rhode Island during the whole war. Before they had been formed into a separate regiment, they had fought valiantly with the white soldiers at Red Bank and elsewhere. Their conduct at the " Battle of Rhode Island/' on the 29th of August, 1778, entitles them to perpetual honor. That battle has been pronounced by military authorities to have been one of the best-fought battles of the Revolutionary War. Its success was owing, in a great degree, to the good fighting of the negro soldiers. Mr. Arnold, in his " History of Rhode Island,7' thus closes his account of it: —

" A third time the enemy, with desperate courage and increased strength, attempted to assail the redoubt, and would have carried it, but for the timely aid of two Continental battalions despatched by Sullivan to support his almost exhausted troops. It was in repelling these furious onsets, that the newly raised black regiment, under Col. Greene, distinguished itself by deeds of desperate valor. Posted behind a thicket in the valley, they three times drove back the Hessians, who charged repeatedly down the hill to dislodge them: and*so determined were the enemy in these successive charges, that, the day after the battle, the Hessian colonel, upon whom this duty had devolved, applied to exchange his command, and go to New York, because he dared not lead his regiment again to battle, lest his men should shoot him for having caused them so much loss.'7 — Arnold's History of Rhode Island, vol. ii. pp. 427, 428.

Three years later, these soldiers are thus mentioned by the Marquis de Chastellux*: —

"The 5th [of January, 1781] I did not set out till eleven, although I had thirty miles' journey to Lebanon. At the passage to the ferry, I met with a detachment of the Rhode-Island regiment, — the same corps we had with us all the last summer ; but they have since been recruited and clothed. The greatest part of them are negroes or mulattoes : they are strong, robust men ; and those I have seen had a very good appearance.77 — Chastellux's Travels, vol. i. p. 454 ; London, 1789.

When Col. Greene was surprised and murdered, near Points Bridge, New York, on the 14th of May, 1781, his colored soldiers heroically defended him till they wTere cut to pieces ; and the en^my reached him over the dead bodies of his faithful negroes.

That large numbers of negroes were enrolled in the army, and served faithfully as soldiers during the whole period of the war of the Revolution, may be regarded as a well-established historical fact. And it should be borne in mind, that the enlistment was not confined, by any means, to those who had before enjoyed the privileges of free citizens. Very many slaves were offered to, and received by, the army, on the condition that they were to be emancipated, either at the time of enlisting, or when they had served out the term of their enlistment. The inconsistency of keeping in slavery any person who had taken up arms for the defence of our national liberty had led to the passing of an order forbidding " slaves/7 as such, to be received as soldiers.

BLACKS IN THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 9

That colored men were equally serviceable in the last war with Great Britain is true, as the following, historical document will show : —

GENERAL JACKSON'S PROCLAMATION TO THE NEGROES.

Headquarters, Seventh Military District, Mobile, Sept. 21, 1814.

To the Free Colored Inhabitants of Louisiana.

Through a mistaken policy, you have heretofore been deprived of a participation in the glorious struggle for national rights in which our country is engaged. This no longer shall exist.

As sons of freedom-, you are now called upon to defend our most inestimable blessing. As Americans, your country looks with confidence to her adopted children for a valorous support, as a faithful return for the advantages enjoyed under her mild and equitable government. As fathers, husbands, and brothers, you are summoned to rally around the standard of the Eagle to defend all which is dear in existence.

Your country, although calling for your exertions, does not wish you to engage in her cause without amply remunerating you for the services rendered. Your intelligent minds are not to be led away by false representations. Your love of honor would cause you to despise the man who should attempt to deceive you. In the sincerity of a soldier, and the language of truth, I address you.

To every noble-hearted, generous freeman of color, volunteering to serve during the present contest with Great Britain, and no longer, there will be paid the same bounty, in money and lands, now received by the white soldiers of the United States ; viz., one hundred and twenty, dollars in money, and one hundred and sixty acres of land. The non-commissioned officers and privates will also be entitled to the same monthly pay, and daily rations, and clothes, furnished to any American soldier. .

On enrolling yourselves in companies^ the Major-General Commanding will select officers for your government from your white fellow-citizens. Your non-commissioned officers will be appointed from among yourselves.

Due regard will be paid to the feelings of freemen and soldiers. You will not, by being associated with white men in the same corps, be exposed to improper comparisons or unjust sarcasm. "As a distinct, independent battalion or regiment, pursuing the path of glory, you will, undivided, receive the applause and gratitude of your countrymen.

To assure you of the sincerity of my intentions, and my anxiety to engage your invaluable services to our country, I have communicated my wishes to the Governor of Louisiana, who is fully informed as to the manner of enrollment, and will give you every necessary information on the subject of this address.

ANDREW JACKSON,

Majar-General Commanding. [Niles's Register, vol. vii. p. 205.]

Three months later, Gen. Jackson addressed the same troops as follows : —

" To the Men of Color. Soldiers ! From the shores of Mobile I collected you to arms. I invited you to share in the perils and to divide the glory of your white countrymen. I expected much from you ; for I was

BLACKS IX THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 11

not uninformed of those qualities which must render you so formidable to an invading foe. I knew that you could endure hunger and thirst, and all the hardships of war. I knew that you loved the land of your nativity, and that, like ourselves, you had to defend all that is most dear to man. But you surpass my hopes. I have found in you, united to these qualities, that noble enthusiasm which impels to great deeds.

" Soldiers ! The President of the United States shall be informed of your conduct on the present occasion ; and the voice of the Representatives of the American nation shall applaud your valor, as your general now praises your ardor. The enemy is near. His sails cover the lakes. But the brave are united ; and, if he finds us contending with ourselves, it will be for the prize of valor, and fame its noblest reward.77 — Niles's Register, vol. vii. pp. 345, 346.

. Black men served in the navy with great credit to themselves, receiving the commendation of Com. Perry and other brave officers.

Extract of a Letter from Nathaniel Shaler, Commander of the private-armed Schooner Gen. Tompkins, to his Agent in New York, dated, —

11 Before I could get our light sails in, and almost before I could turn round, I was under the guns, not of a transport, but of a large frigate ! and not more than a quarter of a mile from her Her first broadside killed two men, and wounded six others

My officers conducted themselves in a way that would have done honor to a more permanent service. ....

The name of one of my poor fellows who was killed ought to be registered in the book of fame, and remembered with reverence as long as bravery is considered a virtue. He was a black man, by the name of John Johnson. A twenty-four pound shot struck him in the hip, and took away all the lower part of his body. In this state, the poor brave fellow lay on the deck, and several times exclaimed to his shipmates, ' Fire away, my boy : no haul a color doiunS The other was also a black man, by the name of John Davis, and was struck in much the same way. He fell near me, and several times requested to be thrown overboard, saying he was only in the way of others.